7,62x39 to 5.45x39

OK,this might be the wrong area,but I'll ask anyway.

I have a 7.62 Saiga that I'm wanting to convert to 5.45.
Might it be a simple as welding on the ejector and changing bolt
and carrier.
I just picked up a US made barrel that has all Bulgie "fixtures"
installed,and have a "pre-ban" Saiga that has a 20" barrel that
I'm thinking of chopping anyway.
Any help you guys could give would be great.

I have a 7.62 Saiga that I'm wanting to convert to 5.45.
Might it be a simple as welding on the ejector and changing bolt
and carrier.
I just picked up a US made barrel that has all Bulgie "fixtures"
installed,and have a "pre-ban" Saiga that has a 20" barrel that
I'm thinking of chopping anyway.
Any help you guys could give would be great.

Thanks

I love a good challenge. That said, this is the wrong starting point IMHO. If you want a 5.45 rifle, start with one, or get a kit and build one. Leave the Saiga alone, or convert it to what you want it to be in 7.62x39. I personally think that 20" is that best possible length for 7.62x39. Best accuracy and ballistics overall. If you hate it, sell it to me. I will love it. Oh, you will have to wait six months or so until I dig my way out of two years of unemployment first.....

Now that the 5.45 rifles are available "neutered" from Russia, my advice would be to get one of those and convert them to the normal pistol grip configuration and go from there. No welding, no barrel conversions... nothing but a "normal" Saiga pistol grip conversion process! Of course you always have the potential for a folding stock as well.

I own many Saiga rifles. 1 in 5.45,1 in 308 and 2 in 7.62.
One of the 7.62's is a 1993 import. This makes it pre-ban for poor
slobs like myself in NY. Now I have @ 15 other rifles in 7.62,yet only
2 in 5.45(SAR-2 and the Saiga). I don't own any other pre-ban AK's.
I know I could do a conversion on it(all other Saiga are done),but I want
to go further with this 20" 7.62. I have an AK100 folder and underfolder
setup sitting around. Don't think they will "look right" on a 20" barrel.
I was going to chop her,but then thought about changing calibers.
I have a new barrel with all the fixtures sitting around. I thought if the
only mod to the receiver was to extend the ejector,why not try it.

It is more than just replacing the barrel and lengthening the ejector. 5.45 mags won't fit in the 7.62 trunnion(needs machining) and you would also need a feed ramp. I think the carrier is the small dia. stem so it is just a bolt swap. I can't think of any other problems you might encounter.
HTH
Artty

The Saiga mag well is fine. the rear of the trunnion won't let the 74 mag rotate forward into position. the one ear at the back of the trunnion hits the right side of the magazine.
I have converted multiple 7.62 trunnions to 5,45 and 5.56 all need that same area machined.

I just build them and shoot them as is o maybe some help here and there

I have an AK100 folder and underfolder
setup sitting around. Don't think they will "look right" on a 20" barrel

I DIDNT THINK YOU COULD HAVE A FOLDER AND ALL THE ASSULT STUFF ON A RIFLE IN NY????????????????

I AGREE WITHT HE OTHERS ID JUST SELL IT ( OR BETTER JUST KEEP IT ) AND BUY ONE IN THE CALIBURE YOU WANT. NY THE TIME YOU CHANGE THE MAG WELL AND GET A BOLT AND FOOL AROUND WITH FEED RAMP. YOU WOULD BE MUCH BETTER OFF TO JUST BUY A 5.45 ALREADY DONE.

I DIDNT THINK YOU COULD HAVE A FOLDER AND ALL THE ASSULT STUFF ON A RIFLE IN NY????????????????

I AGREE WITHT HE OTHERS ID JUST SELL IT ( OR BETTER JUST KEEP IT ) AND BUY ONE IN THE CALIBURE YOU WANT. NY THE TIME YOU CHANGE THE MAG WELL AND GET A BOLT AND FOOL AROUND WITH FEED RAMP. YOU WOULD BE MUCH BETTER OFF TO JUST BUY A 5.45 ALREADY DONE.

Your missing the point. It's pre ban,and we can do what ever we want!
Folder,bayo,flash hiders.
I have others 5.45 guns and way to many 7.62x39's.
It's a done deal,will have a bolt and carrier on Sunday,made a feed ramp.
She will be an underfolder when done.